Image generation device and head-up display

Abstract

A head-up display (HUD) and its image generating apparatus are disclosed. The image generating apparatus includes a light source module, an illumination element, and a light modulation module. The light source module provides a first color beam and a second color beam at different times. The illumination element homogenizes the first color beam and the second color beam to form a first color illumination beam and a second color illumination beam, which are then transmitted to the light modulation module. A first gap distance exists between the light modulation module and the illumination element, and the light modulation module includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array. Each of these pixel units can be in an on or off state and receives the first color illumination beam and the second color illumination beam at different times to convert the first color illumination beam or the second color illumination beam into an image beam. The image generating apparatus of the present invention can reduce the risk of overheating and improve optical efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an image generating device and a head-up display. Background Technology

[0002] Existing head-up displays (HUDs) are commonly used in transportation vehicles such as airplanes, land vehicles, and retail store windows, or in outdoor settings. Their primary function is to present users with images superimposed on the surrounding environment. The image generation device of an HUD typically includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel, which comprises a color filter layer, a light-transmitting substrate, a thin-film transistor layer, and a polarizing layer arranged adjacent to each other. The low aperture ratio of the LCD panel results in high absorption of sunlight incident from the outside into the HUD, making heat dissipation difficult and increasing the risk of overheating. Furthermore, its low optical efficiency necessitates the use of higher-power light sources, which is detrimental to energy conservation.

[0003] The "Background Art" paragraph is only used to help understand the content of this invention. Therefore, the content disclosed in the "Background Art" paragraph may include some known technologies that are not known to those skilled in the art. The content disclosed in the "Background Art" paragraph does not mean that the content or the problems to be solved by one or more embodiments of this invention were known or understood by those skilled in the art prior to this application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides an image generating device and a head-up display with high optical efficiency.

[0005] Other objects and advantages of the present invention can be further understood from the technical features disclosed herein.

[0006] To achieve one or more of the above-mentioned objectives or other objectives, an image generating apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention is used to generate an image beam, and includes at least a light source module, an illumination element, and a light modulation module. The light source module provides a first color beam and a second color beam at different times. The illumination element is disposed on the transmission path of the first color beam and the second color beam, homogenizing the first color beam to form a first color illumination beam, homogenizing the second color beam to form a second color illumination beam, and transmitting the first color illumination beam and the second color illumination beam to the light modulation module. A first gap distance exists between the light modulation module and the illumination element. The light modulation module includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array; these pixel units receive the first color illumination beam and the second color illumination beam, and each of these pixel units can be in an on or off state; these pixel units convert the first color illumination beam or the second color illumination beam into an image beam.

[0007] A head-up display according to one embodiment of the present invention includes an image generating device, wherein the image generating device projects an image beam onto a projection surface to form a virtual image.

[0008] Based on the above, the image generating device and head-up display of the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following advantages: (1) The light source module directly provides the first color beam and the second color beam, so there is no need to set a color filter in the light modulation module in the image generating device, thereby reducing the absorption rate of sunlight by the light modulation module and avoiding excessive temperature; (2) The optical efficiency is high, and the same brightness effect can be achieved with a lower power light source module, thereby improving the heat dissipation efficiency and service life of the system; (3) The light modulation module converts the first color beam and the second color beam into an image beam at different time points, thereby simplifying the control circuit of each pixel unit of the light modulation module and reducing the cost of the light modulation module.

[0009] To make the above features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments are described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a head-up display according to some embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0011] Figure 2A A schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0012] Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a light-emitting unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0013] Figure 2C A schematic diagram of a light source module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0014] Figure 2D A schematic diagram of the light emission timing of a plurality of light-emitting elements according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0015] Figure 2E A schematic diagram of an optical modulation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0016] Figure 2F A schematic diagram of a pixel unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0017] Figure 2G A side view of the optical film of the image generating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0018] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a pixel unit according to a comparative example is shown.

[0019] Figure 4A schematic diagram of a light source module according to a second embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0020] Figures 5A to 5L The diagrams show two different planar representations of the arrangement of the light-emitting units, one for a distance variation cycle and the other for an angle variation cycle.

[0021] Figure 6A A partial structural schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0022] Figure 6B A partial structural schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0023] Figure 6C A partial structural schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1: Head-up display

[0026] 10, 50A, 50B, 50C: Image generating devices

[0027] 20: First optical path bending mirror group

[0028] 30: Second optical path bending mirror group

[0029] 40: Projection plane

[0030] 100A, 100B, 500, 501, 502, 503, 504: Light source modules

[0031] 100S: Substrate

[0032] 101: Light-emitting unit

[0033] 200: Lighting components

[0034] 200A: Light-receiving surface

[0035] 200B: Light-emitting surface

[0036] 200R: Subregion

[0037] 201: Lens array element

[0038] 202: Double-sided optical film

[0039] 202A: Curved Surface Microstructure

[0040] 300: Optical Modulation Module

[0041] 301: First polarizing layer

[0042] 302: Second polarizing layer

[0043] 303: Liquid Crystal Layer

[0044] 400, 401, 402, 403, 404: Concentrating elements

[0045] 504, 505, 506: Light source combining element

[0046] A12: Reference Direction

[0047] A1: Array reference axis

[0048] A2: Array reference axis

[0049] An: Array reference axis

[0050] Bs: Base

[0051] C1: First reference position

[0052] C2: Second reference position

[0053] DD: Display area

[0054] D1: First interval distance

[0055] D2: Second interval distance

[0056] E1: First color light-emitting element

[0057] E2: Second color light-emitting element

[0058] E3: Third color light-emitting element

[0059] EY: Eyes

[0060] IL: Image Beam

[0061] IP: virtual image

[0062] LE: Lens unit

[0063] L1: First color beam

[0064] L2: Second-color beam

[0065] L3: Third-color beam

[0066] LL1: First color illumination beam

[0067] LL2: Second color illumination beam

[0068] LL3: Third-color illumination beam

[0069] nDD: Non-display area

[0070] PX, PX1: Pixel unit

[0071] S1: Substrate surface

[0072] SP1: First subpixel

[0073] SP2: Second subpixel

[0074] SP3: Third subpixel

[0075] T1: First timing sequence

[0076] T2: Second timing sequence

[0077] T3: Third timing sequence. Detailed Implementation

[0078] The foregoing descriptions and other technical contents, features, and effects of this invention will be clearly presented in the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. The directional terms used in the following embodiments, such as up, down, left, right, front, or back, are merely for reference to the accompanying drawings. Therefore, the directional terms used are for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the invention.

[0079] Reference Figure 1 This illustrates a schematic diagram of a head-up display according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0080] The head-up display 1 includes an image generating device 10, a first optical path bending mirror group 20, and a second optical path bending mirror group 30.

[0081] Image generating device 10 is adapted to generate an image beam IL. A first optical path bending mirror group 20 and a second optical path bending mirror group 30 are disposed on the transmission path of the image beam IL from image generating device 10, for transmitting the image beam IL out of head-up display 1 and projecting it onto projection surface 40. Projection surface 40 can be the surface of a vehicle's windshield, an optical combiner, or the like. The image beam IL is incident obliquely on projection surface 40, reflected by projection surface 40, and then incident on the user's eye EY, so that the user can see the virtual image IP generated by the image beam IL.

[0082] Reference Figure 1 , Figures 2A to 2F ,in Figure 2A A schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2B A schematic diagram of a light-emitting unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2C A schematic diagram of a light source module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2D This diagram illustrates the light emission timing of a plurality of light-emitting elements according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2EA schematic diagram of an optical modulation module according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2F A schematic diagram of a pixel unit according to a first embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0083] Reference Figure 2A In this first embodiment, Figure 1 The image generating device 10 includes a light source module 100A, an illumination element 200, and a light modulation module 300.

[0084] Reference Figure 2A , Figure 2B as well as Figure 2C The light source module 100A includes a substrate 100S and at least one light-emitting unit 101, wherein the substrate 100S may be a circuit board. The light source module 100A is used to provide a first color beam L1 and a second color beam L2 at different times. The following description will take the example of the light source module 100A including multiple light-emitting units 101 and being able to provide a first color beam L1, a second color beam L2 and a third color beam L3 at different times. Each light-emitting unit 101 includes a base Bs and a first-color light-emitting element E1, a second-color light-emitting element E2, and a third-color light-emitting element E3 disposed on the base Bs. Each first-color light-emitting element E1 provides a first-color sub-beam, and the first-color beam L1 includes multiple first-color sub-beams provided by each of the first-color light-emitting elements E1 in the plurality of light-emitting units 101. Each second-color light-emitting element E2 provides a second-color sub-beam, and the second-color beam L2 includes multiple second-color sub-beams provided by each of the second-color light-emitting elements E2 in the plurality of light-emitting units 101. Each third-color light-emitting element E3 provides a third-color sub-beam, and the third-color beam L3 includes multiple third-color sub-beams provided by each of the third-color light-emitting elements E3 in the plurality of light-emitting units 101. In some embodiments, the first-color light-emitting element E1, the second-color light-emitting element E2, and the third-color light-emitting element E3 may include a light-emitting diode (LED) or a laser diode (Laser Diode), thereby enabling the image generating apparatus 10 to have good color saturation. It should also be noted that the light source module 100A of this embodiment is not limited to the structure described above. In some embodiments, the light-emitting units 101 described above can be disposed on different circuit boards.

[0085] It should be noted that this description uses the example of each light-emitting unit 101 including a first-color light-emitting element E1, a second-color light-emitting element E2, and a third-color light-emitting element E3, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Each light-emitting unit 101 may only include the first-color light-emitting element E1 and the second-color light-emitting element E2, or may further include more light-emitting elements of different colors, achieving all the technical effects of the present invention based on the same technical solution.

[0086] Reference Figure 2B The first-color light-emitting element E1, the second-color light-emitting element E2, and the third-color light-emitting element E3 of the light-emitting unit 101 are disposed on the base Bs and formed in the same package. The package has a first reference position C1 and a second reference position C2, which are located, for example, on the base Bs. The direction from the first reference position C1 and passing through the second reference position C2 is the reference direction A12. The first-color light-emitting element E1 of each light-emitting unit 101 is disposed on the first reference position C1, the second-color light-emitting element E2 of each light-emitting unit 101 is disposed on the second reference position C2, and the third-color light-emitting element E3 of each light-emitting unit 101 has a fixed position relative to the first reference position C1 and the second reference position C2.

[0087] Reference Figure 2A as well as Figure 2C The substrate 100S has an array reference axis A parallel to the substrate surface S1. n , where n = 1, 2, 3…N, and N is any positive integer. If N is greater than 1, then these array reference axes A n They are parallel to each other and arranged along the Z direction. The substrate surface S1 is, for example, parallel to the YZ plane, and along each array reference axis A on the substrate surface S1. n There are 101 light-emitting units arranged in a total of M, where M is any positive integer.

[0088] The arrangement of the plurality of light-emitting units 101 on the substrate 100S is relative to the array reference axis A. n It has at least one of the following: a periodic change in distance or a periodic change in angle. Specifically, such as... Figure 2C As shown, the distance that varies periodically refers, for example, along one of the array reference axes A. n The first reference position C1 of the multiple light-emitting units 101 is set to be aligned with the array reference axis A. n The vertical distance change, while the periodic angular change refers, for example, along one of the array reference axes A. n The reference direction A12 of the multiple light-emitting units 101 is parallel to the array reference axis A. n The change in the included angle. Figure 2C As shown in the example, the angle periodic change occurs every two light-emitting units 101. Or, as shown... Figure 2C As shown, the light-emitting units 101 are positioned relative to the array reference axis A. n There can also be periodic changes in distance. That is, these light-emitting units 101 relative to the array reference axis A n They are misaligned due to their different distances. Figure 2CAs shown in the example, the aforementioned distance periodic change occurs in cycles of every two light-emitting units 101. Accordingly, the first-color light-emitting elements E1, the second-color light-emitting elements E2, and the third-color light-emitting elements E3 can be uniformly arranged on the substrate 100S. It should be noted that the number of cycles for the angular periodic change or the distance periodic change is not limited to two.

[0089] Reference Figure 2A , Figure 2C as well as Figure 2D The first-color light-emitting elements E1, the second-color light-emitting elements E2, and the third-color light-emitting elements E3 in the light source module 100A emit light at different times within a time period, thereby enabling the light source module 100A to provide different color light beams at different times. A complete time period includes a first time sequence T1, a second time sequence T2, and a third time sequence T3. In the first time sequence T1, the first-color light-emitting elements E1 are turned on and provide a first-color light beam L1, while the second-color light-emitting elements E2 and the third-color light-emitting elements E3 are turned off; in the second time sequence T2, the second-color light-emitting elements E2 are turned on and provide a second-color light beam L2, while the first-color light-emitting elements E1 and the third-color light-emitting elements E3 are turned off; in the third time sequence T3, the third-color light-emitting elements E3 are turned on and provide a third-color light beam L3, while the second-color light-emitting elements E2 and the first-color light-emitting elements E1 are turned off.

[0090] Please refer to Figure 2A An illumination element 200 is disposed on the transmission paths of a first color beam L1, a second color beam L2, and a third color beam L3. The illumination element 200 includes an incident surface 200A and an exiting surface 200B opposite to the incident surface 200A, wherein the incident surface 200A includes multiple sub-regions 200R. Taking the first timing T1 as an example, the first color beam L1 is incident on the illumination element 200 through these sub-regions 200R of the incident surface 200A; that is, these first color sub-beams are respectively incident on these sub-regions 200R, with each first color sub-beam corresponding to a specific sub-region 200R. The first color sub-beams incident from each sub-region 200R are homogenized by the illumination element 200 and then exit from the exiting surface 200B, thereby forming a homogenized first color illumination beam LL1 on the exiting surface 200B of the illumination element 200. Similarly, the second timing T2 and the third timing T3 form the second color illumination beam LL2 and the third color illumination beam LL3, respectively, and transmit them to the light modulation module 300.

[0091] Reference Figure 2A , Figure 2E as well as Figure 2FThe optical modulation module 300 includes multiple pixel units PX arranged in an array. Each pixel unit PX includes a display area DD and a non-display area nDD. These pixel units PX can be in an on or off state at different times, and different pixel units PX can be turned on or off at different times.

[0092] When a pixel unit PX is in the active state, it can allow a first-color illumination beam LL1, a second-color illumination beam LL2, or a third-color illumination beam LL3 incident on it to pass through, forming at least a portion of an image beam IL. For example, when at least a portion of the pixel units PX in the optical modulation module 300 is active in the first timing T1, the first-color illumination beam LL1 can be converted into an image beam IL; when at least a portion of the pixel units PX in the optical modulation module 300 is active in the second timing T2, the second-color illumination beam LL2 can be converted into an image beam IL; and when at least a portion of the pixel units PX in the optical modulation module 300 is active in the third timing T3, the third-color illumination beam LL3 can be converted into an image beam IL. The optical modulation module 300 controls the activation or deactivation of each pixel unit based on the received image signal to generate the corresponding image beam IL.

[0093] In some embodiments, the first color beam L1, the second color beam L2, and the third color beam L3 are respectively a blue beam, a red beam, and a green beam, and the first color illumination beam LL1, the second color illumination beam LL2, and the third color illumination beam LL3 are respectively a blue illumination beam, a red illumination beam, and a green illumination beam.

[0094] Therefore, when at least a portion of the pixel units PX are in the on state in the first time sequence T1 and in the off state in the second time sequence T2 and the third time sequence T3, the image beam IL provided by the at least a portion of the pixel units PX in a complete time period is a blue image beam IL. If at least a portion of the pixel units PX are in the on state in the second time sequence T2 and in the off state in the first time sequence T1 and the third time sequence T3, the image beam IL provided by the at least a portion of the pixel units PX in a complete time period is a red image beam IL. If at least a portion of the pixel units PX are in the on state in the third time sequence T3 and in the off state in the second time sequence T2 and the first time sequence T1, the partial image beam IL provided by the at least a portion of the pixel units PX in a complete time period is a partial green image beam IL.

[0095] Furthermore, if at least a portion of the pixel units PX are in the on state in the first time sequence T1 and the second time sequence T2, and in the off state in the third time sequence T3, then the image beams IL provided by the at least a portion of the pixel units PX within a complete time period are a blue image beam IL and a red image beam IL, respectively. The user's eye EY, due to persistence of vision, sees a mixed image of the blue image beam IL and the red image beam IL. If at least a portion of the pixel units PX are in the on state in the second time sequence T2 and the third time sequence T3, and in the off state in the first time sequence T1, then the image beams IL provided by the at least a portion of the pixel units PX within a complete time period are a red image beam IL and a green image beam IL, respectively. The user's eye EY, due to persistence of vision, sees a mixed image of the red image beam IL and the green image beam IL. If at least some of the pixel units PX are in the on state in the first time sequence T1 and the third time sequence T3, and in the off state in the second time sequence T2, then the image beams IL provided by the at least some of the pixel units PX in a complete time period are a blue image beam IL and a green image beam IL, respectively. The user's eye EY sees a mixed image of the blue image beam IL and the green image beam IL due to visual persistence.

[0096] If at least some of the pixel units PX are in the on state during the first time sequence T1, the second time sequence T2, and the third time sequence T3, then the image beams IL provided by the at least some pixel units PX during a complete time period are a blue image beam IL, a red image beam IL, and a green image beam IL, respectively. The user's eye EY sees a mixed image of the blue, red, and green image beams IL due to visual persistence. If at least some of the pixel units PX are in the off state during the first time sequence T1, the second time sequence T2, and the third time sequence T3, then the at least some pixel units PX do not provide the user's eye EY with an image beam IL during a complete time period.

[0097] By turning the pixel units PX in the light modulation module 300 on or off at different times, image information of the image beam IL can be transmitted to the user.

[0098] In some embodiments, the light modulation module 300 may include a liquid crystal display, such as either a passive matrix or an active matrix liquid crystal display. The liquid crystal display includes a first polarizing layer 301, a second polarizing layer 302, a liquid crystal layer 303, and a controller (not shown). The absorption axis of the first polarizing layer 301 is perpendicular to the absorption axis of the second polarizing layer 302. The liquid crystal layer is located between the first and second polarizing layers. Pixel units PX divide the liquid crystal layer 303 into multiple sub-regions, and each pixel unit PX contains one of these sub-regions. The controller controls the optical axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 303 within each display area DD using lines and / or thin-film transistors configured in the non-display area nDD of each pixel unit PX, thereby enabling the switching of the on or off states of each pixel unit PX.

[0099] Furthermore, by controlling the optical axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer 303, the intensity of the blue image beam IL, the red image beam IL, and the green image beam IL in each time sequence can also be controlled, and virtual images IP with various colors can be generated by the user's visual persistence.

[0100] Therefore, it should be noted that the liquid crystal display of the image generating apparatus 10 provided according to the first embodiment of the present invention does not have a color filter layer.

[0101] Please refer to Figure 3 . Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the pixel unit of the light modulation module according to this comparative example is shown.

[0102] exist Figure 3 In the comparative example shown, the image generating apparatus of the head-up display includes a liquid crystal display panel. The liquid crystal display panel includes a plurality of pixel units PX1. Each pixel unit PX1 includes a display area DD and a non-display area nDD. A first sub-pixel SP1, a second sub-pixel SP2, and a third sub-pixel SP3 are disposed within the display area DD, and the optical axis direction of the liquid crystal molecules within the display area DD is controlled by thin-film transistors disposed within the non-display area nDD of each pixel unit PX1. This comparative example differs from the present invention in that the liquid crystal display of the comparative example includes a color filter layer, and the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 each correspond to a filter layer of a different color. The color composition of the image beam provided by the image generating apparatus is determined by controlling the on or off state of each sub-pixel in each pixel PX1.

[0103] Because the first sub-pixel SP1, the second sub-pixel SP2, and the third sub-pixel SP3 in this comparative example need to be controlled by different thin-film transistors, and each sub-pixel requires different control signals and circuits, the non-display area nDD of each pixel unit PX1 is large, and the control signals and circuits are complex.

[0104] Conversely, referring to the present invention Figure 2F According to the present invention, the pixel unit PX obtains images with various colors for the human eye by superimposing different colored lights within different time sequences based on the persistence of vision. Each pixel unit PX does not need to have sub-pixels corresponding to different colors, and since each pixel unit only needs a corresponding set of control signals and circuits, the number and complexity of control circuits are effectively reduced. Therefore, the area ratio of the non-display area nDD in the liquid crystal display can be significantly reduced, and each pixel unit PX can have a higher aperture ratio, reducing brightness loss and improving overall optical efficiency. The same output brightness can be achieved with a relatively low-power light source module (e.g., a smaller number of light-emitting units 101). According to some embodiments of the present invention, the aperture ratio (transmitting area / total pixel area) (display area DD / (display area DD + non-display area nDD)) of each pixel unit PX of the liquid crystal display of the light modulation module 300 falls within the range of 50% to 80%. At the same resolution, the aperture ratio of each pixel unit PX of the liquid crystal display of the present invention is at least 10% higher than that of each pixel unit PX1 in the comparative example.

[0105] Reference Figure 2A In a first embodiment of the present invention, the illumination element 200 includes a lens array element 201, the lens array element 201 includes a plurality of lens units LE arranged in an array, and each sub-region 200R of the illumination element 200 includes at least two lens units LE.

[0106] However, the illumination element 200 of the present invention is not limited to the lens array element 201 described above. In some embodiments, the illumination element 200 may include an optical film, such as a geometric optical film.

[0107] Please refer to Figure 2G , Figure 2G The image shows a double-sided optical film 202, one type of geometric optical film. Furthermore, geometric optical films can also be single-sided films or two-layer single-sided films. The double-sided optical film 202 is a thin-film optical element consisting of multiple arcuate microstructures 202A with a certain thickness range on two opposing surfaces. Each of these arcuate microstructures 202A is, for example, a structure that bulges away from the corresponding surface, allowing the double-sided optical film 202 to provide cloud-like light energy similar to that of a microlens array element while having a thinner thickness.

[0108] Reference Figure 2AIn some embodiments of the present invention, the image generating apparatus 10 may further include a plurality of focusing elements 400. These focusing elements 400 are disposed between the light source module 100A and the illumination element 200, wherein the light-emitting surface 200B of the illumination element 200 and the light modulation module 300 have a first spacing distance D1 greater than 0, and the light-incident surface 200A of the illumination element 200 and the focusing elements 400 have a second spacing distance D2. Figure 2A In this embodiment, the light source module 100A, the focusing element 400, the illumination element 200, and the light modulation module 300 are arranged sequentially along the X-axis, for example. A first interval distance D1 is, for example, the distance on the X-axis between the light-emitting surface 200B of the illumination element 200 and the light modulation module 300, and a second interval distance D2 is, for example, the distance on the X-axis between the light-incident surface 200A of the illumination element 200 and the focusing elements 400. The focusing elements 400 converge the first color beam L1, the second color beam L2, or the third color beam L3 from the light source module 100A to the sub-regions 200R of the light-incident surface 200A of the light modulation module 300. In a first time sequence T1, each first color beam passes through one of the focusing elements 400 and is transmitted to one of the sub-regions 200R of the illumination element 200. In the second time sequence T2, each second-dipole beam passes through one of the focusing elements 400 and is transmitted to one of the sub-regions 200R of the illumination element 200. In the third time sequence T3, each third-dipole beam passes through one of the focusing elements 400 and is transmitted to one of the sub-regions 200R of the illumination element 200. Each focusing element 400 may correspond to one or more first-dipole beams, second-dipole beams, and third-dipole beams.

[0109] exist Figure 2A In the example, the focusing element 400 includes a lens, but the invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the focusing element 400 may include a lens, a prism, and a lamp cup.

[0110] Because there is a first spacing distance D1 between the lighting element 200 and the light modulation module 300 and a second spacing distance D2 between the lighting element 200 and the light focusing elements 400, the heat generated by individual elements or accumulated due to the absorption of sunlight is not easily transferred or accumulated between them, thus effectively reducing the risk of the light modulation module 300 overheating.

[0111] To fully illustrate the various embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments will be described below. It must be noted that the following embodiments use the same element reference numerals and some content as those in the foregoing embodiments, with the same reference numerals representing the same or similar elements, and descriptions of identical technical content omitted. For explanations of the omitted parts, please refer to the foregoing embodiments; these will not be repeated in the following embodiments.

[0112] Reference Figure 4 The diagram shows a light source module according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0113] like Figure 4 As shown, the light source module 100B includes a substrate 100S and a plurality of light-emitting units 101. The substrate 100S has an array reference axis A parallel to the substrate surface S1. n , where n = 1, 2, 3…N, and N is any positive integer. These arrays reference axes A. n They are parallel to each other and arranged along the Z direction. Along the reference axis A of each array on the substrate surface S1. n There are 101 light-emitting units arranged in a total of M, where M is any positive integer.

[0114] like Figure 4 As shown in multiple reference directions A12, the arrangement of these light-emitting units 101 relative to the array reference axis A n There are periodic changes in distance and angle, and these periodic changes occur every three light-emitting units 101. Accordingly, the first-color light-emitting elements E1, the second-color light-emitting elements E2, and the third-color light-emitting elements E3 can be uniformly arranged on the substrate 100S, thereby improving the uniformity of the intensity distribution of the first-color illumination beam LL1, the second-color illumination beam LL2, and the third-color illumination beam LL2 incident on the light modulation module 300.

[0115] Light-emitting unit 101 relative to array reference axis A n There are periodic changes in distance and periodic changes in angle, and these are not limited to... Figure 2B and Figure 4 As shown. Please refer to... Figures 5A to 5L This is a planar schematic diagram illustrating a light-emitting unit 101 with one periodic change in distance or one periodic change in angle, respectively. The light-emitting units 101 can also be arranged with various other periodic changes in distance and angle.

[0116] Reference Figure 2D as well as Figure 6A ,in Figure 6A A partial structural schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0117] The image generating apparatus 50A of this third embodiment includes a light source module 500, which has the structure of the light source module 100A of the first embodiment and the light source module 100B of the second embodiment described above. The light source module 500 includes at least one first-color light-emitting element E1, at least one second-color light-emitting element E2, and at least one third-color light-emitting element E3. The light source module 500 is used to provide a first-color beam L1 containing at least one first-color sub-beam in the X direction at a first time sequence T1, a second-color beam L2 containing at least one second-color sub-beam in the X direction at a second time sequence T2, and a third-color beam L3 containing at least one third-color sub-beam in the X direction at a third time sequence T3. The light source module 500 in this embodiment may include at least one light-emitting unit as described above, i.e., having at least one first-color light-emitting element E1, at least one second-color light-emitting element E2, and at least one third-color light-emitting element E3 in the same package.

[0118] Reference Figure 2D as well as Figure 6B ,in Figure 6B A partial structural schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0119] The image generating apparatus 50B of the fourth embodiment includes at least one light source module, comprising a first light source module 501 and a second light source module 502. The image generating apparatus 50 further includes a light source combining element 504. The light source module 501 includes at least one first-color light-emitting element E1 and is used to provide a first-color beam L1 containing at least one first-color sub-beam in the X direction at a first time sequence T1. The light source module 502 includes at least one second-color light-emitting element E2 and at least one third-color light-emitting element E3, and is used to provide a second-color beam L2 containing at least one second-color sub-beam in the Z direction at a second time sequence T2, and a third-color beam L3 containing at least one third-color sub-beam in the Z direction at a third time sequence T3. The light source combining element 504 is disposed in the paths of the first-color beam L1, the second-color beam L2, and the third-color beam L3 to transmit these beams to the illumination element 200, for example, by changing the transmission direction of the second-color beam L2 and the third-color beam L3.

[0120] Furthermore, the image generating apparatus 50B of the fourth embodiment also includes a focusing element 401 and a focusing element 402. The focusing element 401 is disposed between the light source module 501 and the light source combining element 504, and the focusing element 402 is disposed between the second light source module 502 and the light source combining element 504. It should be noted that, similar to the first embodiment, the number of focusing elements 401 and 402 can be multiple; for the sake of simplicity, [further details are omitted]. Figure 5BTaking only one example, this embodiment can provide a focusing element 401 for the first color beam L1 and a focusing element 402 for the second color beam L2 and the third color beam L3. For example, it can be a focusing element adapted to a coating with different wavelength ranges, so it can have better light transmission efficiency and uniformity for different color beams.

[0121] Reference Figure 2D as well as Figure 6C ,in Figure 6C A partial structural schematic diagram of an image generating apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0122] The image generating apparatus 50C of the fifth embodiment includes at least one light source module, comprising light source module 501, light source module 503, and light source module 504. The image generating apparatus 50 further includes a light source combining element 505 and a light source combining element 506. Light source module 501 includes at least one first-color emitting element E1, providing a first-color beam L1 containing at least one first-color sub-beam in the -Z direction at a first time sequence T1. Light source module 503 includes at least one second-color emitting element E2, providing a second-color beam L2 containing at least one second-color sub-beam in the X direction at a second time sequence T2. Light source module 504 includes at least one third-color emitting element E3, providing a third-color beam L3 containing at least one third-color sub-beam in the X direction at a third time sequence T3. The light source combining element 505 is disposed in the paths of the first-color beam L1 and the second-color beam L2 to transmit these beams to the light source combining element 506. The light source combining element 506 is positioned on the paths of the first color beam L1, the second color beam L2, and the third color beam L3 to transmit these beams to the lighting element 200.

[0123] Furthermore, the image generating apparatus 50B of the fifth embodiment also includes a focusing element 401, a focusing element 403, and a focusing element 404. The focusing element 401 is disposed between the first light source module 501 and the light source combining element 505; the focusing element 403 is disposed between the third light source module 503 and the light source combining element 505; and the focusing element 404 is disposed between the fourth light source module 504 and the light source combining element 506. It should be noted that, similar to the first embodiment, the number of focusing elements 401, 403, and 404 can be multiple. For the sake of simplicity, [further details are omitted]. Figure 5C This example uses only one example. In this embodiment, a focusing element 401 can be set for the first color beam L1, a focusing element 403 can be set for the second color beam L2, and a focusing element 404 can be set for the third color beam L3. For example, it can be a focusing element adapted to a coating with different wavelength ranges, which can have better light transmission efficiency and uniformity for different color beams.

[0124] In other words, the driving circuits for the first-color light-emitting element E1, the second-color light-emitting element E2, and the third-color light-emitting element E3 are set separately. Therefore, there is no delay when switching between different light-emitting elements at different times, and the heat dissipation of each light-emitting element is better. It also reduces the power of each driving circuit, thus lowering costs.

[0125] In summary, the image generating apparatus and head-up display of the embodiments of the present invention have at least one of the following advantages: (1) The liquid crystal display of the image generating apparatus does not need to have a color filter layer, thereby improving the optical efficiency of the image generating apparatus by increasing the transmittance and reducing the absorption rate of sunlight or other external light entering the image generating apparatus, thus avoiding overheating; (2) The liquid crystal display has a large aperture ratio and high optical efficiency, which can achieve the required output brightness with fewer light-emitting elements and improve the heat dissipation efficiency and service life of the system; (3) The driving circuits that can be set separately according to the light-emitting elements of different colors can switch different light-emitting elements between different timing sequences without delay time, and the power required by individual driving circuits is low, which not only has better power efficiency but also reduces the temperature of the light source module.

[0126] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Any simple equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the claims and description of the invention are still within the scope of this patent. Furthermore, no embodiment or claim of the present invention needs to achieve all the objectives, advantages, or features disclosed in the invention. In addition, the abstract and title (invention title) are only used to assist in patent document retrieval and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this specification or claims are only used to name elements or distinguish different embodiments or scopes, and are not used to limit the upper or lower limit of the number of elements.

Claims

1. An image generating device for a head-up display, used to generate an image beam, characterized in that, The image generating device includes at least one light source module, an illumination element, and a light modulation module, wherein: The at least one light source module is used to provide a first color beam and a second color beam at different times; The illumination element is disposed on the transmission path of the first color beam and the second color beam, homogenizes the first color beam to form a first color illumination beam, homogenizes the second color beam to form a second color illumination beam, and transmits the first color illumination beam and the second color illumination beam to the light modulation module; and The light modulation module and the illumination element have a first spacing distance. The light modulation module includes a plurality of pixel units arranged in an array. The plurality of pixel units receive a first color illumination beam and a second color illumination beam, and each of the plurality of pixel units can be in an on state or an off state. The plurality of pixel units convert the first color illumination beam or the second color illumination beam into the image beam.

2. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first color beam includes a plurality of first color sub-beams, and the second color beam includes a plurality of second color sub-beams; the illumination element includes an incident surface and an exit surface opposite to the incident surface, the incident surface including a plurality of sub-regions; the image generating apparatus further includes: Multiple focusing elements are disposed between the at least one light source module and the lighting element. The multiple focusing elements receive the multiple first dichroic light beams and the multiple second dichroic light beams from the at least one light source module, and transmit each of the multiple first dichroic light beams or each of the multiple second dichroic light beams to one of the multiple sub-regions of the light-incident surface of the lighting element. The plurality of first color sub-beams are incident on the plurality of sub-regions of the light-incident surface and exited from the light-exiting surface to form a first color illumination beam, and the plurality of second color sub-beams are incident on the plurality of sub-regions of the light-incident surface and exited from the light-exiting surface to form a second color illumination beam; The light-incident surface of the lighting element has a second spacing distance with the plurality of light-concentrating elements, and the light-emitting surface of the lighting element has a first spacing distance with the light modulation module.

3. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the at least one light source module includes: a substrate and the plurality of light-emitting units disposed on the substrate, wherein: The plurality of light-emitting units each include at least one first-color light-emitting element and at least one second-color light-emitting element; the at least one first-color light-emitting element of the plurality of light-emitting units is used to provide the first-color light beam, and the at least one second-color light-emitting element of the plurality of light-emitting units is used to provide the second-color light beam.

4. The image generating apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, Each of the at least one light source module includes multiple packages, wherein each of the multiple light-emitting units is disposed in one package, and the at least one first color light-emitting element and the at least one second color light-emitting element have fixed configuration positions in the package; The substrate has an array reference axis parallel to the substrate surface, the plurality of packages are arranged along the array reference axis on the substrate surface, and the plurality of packages have at least one of periodic changes in distance or periodic changes in rotation angle relative to the array reference axis.

5. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one light source module includes: The first light source module provides the first color beam along a first direction; The second light source module provides the second color beam along a second direction; the first direction is different from the second direction. The image generating device further includes a light source combining element disposed on the transmission path of the first color beam and the second color beam, which transmits the first color beam and the second color beam to the illumination element.

6. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one light source module provides the first color beam in a first time sequence, the second color beam in a second time sequence, and the third color beam in a third time sequence.

7. The image generating apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that, The at least one light source module includes: The first light source module provides the first color beam along a first direction; The second light source module provides the second color beam along the second direction; A third light source module provides the third color beam along the second direction; the first direction is different from the second direction. The image generating device further includes a light source combining element disposed on the transmission paths of the first color beam, the second color beam, and the third color beam, to transmit the first color beam, the second color beam, and the third color beam to the illumination element.

8. The image generating apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The optical modulation module includes a liquid crystal display.

9. The image generating apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that, The aperture ratio (transmitting area / total pixel area) of each of the plurality of pixel units of the liquid crystal display is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 80%.

10. The image generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The plurality of focusing elements includes at least one of a lens, a prism lens, and a lamp cup.

11. The image generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, The illumination element includes at least one of an optical film and a lens array element.

12. The image generating apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that, The illumination element is a lens array element, comprising multiple lens units arranged in an array, and each of the multiple sub-regions contains at least two lens units.

13. The image generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, At least two of the plurality of first dichroic beams and at least two of the plurality of second dichroic beams correspond to one of the plurality of focusing elements.

14. The image generating apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that, One of the plurality of first dichroic beams and one of the plurality of second dichroic beams correspond to one of the plurality of focusing elements.

15. A heads-up display, characterized in that, The head-up display includes the image generating apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The image generating device projects the image beam onto the projection surface to form a virtual image.

16. The head-up display according to claim 15, characterized in that, The projection surface is a windshield or a combination unit.

Images